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The final leg of the Rally brings us down the coast and around Cape Saint Vincent, the most southwestern point of Europe, known to early sailors as O Fim do Mundo - the end of the world! Passing the Cape, Rally Portugal turns eastward towards the Mediterranean, passing Sagres and on towards the ancient port of Lagos.
Saint Vincent was buried at the Cape and, according to legend, waits in the strange rock formation known as the throne, off the point, to bless passing sailors. It is customary to dip your ensign as you sail pass, as a mark of respect and in gratitude for the Saint’s protection on the water.
 Lagos History
Lying at one end of a sheltered bay, Lagos owes its existence to the sea, with past prosperity coming from seafaring in the Age of Discoveries. Prince Henry the Navigator established his school of navigation at Sagres, which provided the technical and political impetus for the voyages of discovery in the 15th Century. Lagos served as a fitting out centre for these fleets, and flourished on the trade they instigated.
In 1587, Lagos was attacked by the famous British privateer Sir Francis Drake, but the town’s defences were strong enough to repel him. The town was not so lucky two centuries later however, when as with most of the coastal areas of southwest Portugal, Lagos was hit by the ‘Great Earthquake’ of November 1755. Geologists today estimate the earthquake, whos epicentre was about 200kms west southwest of Cape Saint Vincent, reached a colossal magnitude 9.0 on the Richter Scale. The shockwaves and the subsequent tsunami waves (said to have reached the top of the city walls in Lagos) resulted in an almost complete destruction of the town.
The old town of Lagos retains much of its former character. An imposing fortress overlooks the harbour and most of the town walls remain. More unusual is the Mercado de Escravos, the haunting slave market, where the first African slaves brought to Europe were sold.
Saint Antonio Church was one of the few buildings in the town to withstand some of the force of the Great Earthquake of 1755. The dissimilar bell-towers and plain façade of the church exterior are a stark contrast to the extravaganza of the beautiful and richly decorated interior, which is covered in gold. Its blue-and-white 18th century tiles and gilded, intricate wooden carvings (talha dourada) fill every inch of the walls of the nave, and the church is well worth a visit.
The modest regional musuem next to the Saint Antonio Church contains a selection of archaeological finds and weapons. Other places of interest in the area include Ponto da Piedade (Mercy Point), the Grutas da Costa d’Oiro (Golden Coast Caves), and the Laguna de Alvor (Alvor Lagoon).
Sporting Attractions
The beautiful Meia Praia beach is just a few minutes walk away from the marina, giving ample opportunity to soak up the sun and enjoy the sea. Located around the marina are a number of excursion companies who will take visitors off to see the sights in a variety of locations. There are also companies offering windsurfing courses on the beach.
The best diving in the area is up at Sagres, the better dive schools will collect you from the marina or, if you fancy someone else doing the work for a change, some of the companies run their courses from yachts and will sail you out to the best dive spots.
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